Symphony of Power

Summary

Symphony of Power is the third in a three-volume fantasy/romance/adventure/thriller series by Lyndie Swedersky.This then is the concluding story of The Alecien Series. Raillyn’s life has been turned upside down. Everything she knew was ripped to shreds. Now she’s left with picking up the pieces, and putting them back together. Not to mention stopping her Uncle from annihilating the world, and realigning Daes’ broken magic. Along the way she meets Phury, an Ancient of Daes’ line. However, will he help her save the world, or convince her to destroy it along with all that she loves?“When your life comes to an end, who will be the one to tell it...”

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Symphony of Power - Lyndie Swedersky

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Prologue

Even now, after the war has ended, there are those who die because of the hatred that it sparked. The few mystics who remain fight for the Gods and hope to restore peace. Any race across the Silver Sea would tell you the meaning of a Mystic means one who is of many blood. In actuality the word Mystic is referred to one who is born with the blood of the Gods, also known as a Demigod. This Ancient guardian race born of mixed blood, either from a God and a lesser race or between two Mystics, protect the land.

Sealed by a brand, infused with magic and blood, these mixed-blooded brood are bonded to their God. At times, they are nothing more than pawns used to govern the rules held true by the heaves; never able to intervene with anything other than a light hand. If caught interfering or playing a larger role in the natural events of the world, their appointed God would punish them.

Along with the Dragons, the God’s first creation, they maintain a magical harmony in the land and all things created. As the laws of the Gods held true to the mystics, the Dragon race was not bound by any rules and often became the Mystics assistants. Through this bonded attachment, purposes that were implausible to fulfill by one of God blood was able to be fulfilled by their Dragon companion while in human form. This loophole was one of many that Gods and Mystics alike used to play their ultimate game of life. Even now the game is played, less so with their Dragon companions and more so with the mortal races.

Mystics allow the natural flow of their God-kin’s magic to flow freely in the world and realm while the Dragons and their half-blood kin helped control the natural flow of this magic. Together these two races served the Gods, as carefully balanced ropes hold up a basket, keeping balance and order to their accustomed god or goddess. The war however disrupted this flow of magic and ripped the bond between the land and the Gods themselves, banning Daes from the land asunder. A single rope wascut and, chaos erupted in Alecien and Aeralain, the world began its descent into darkness. Balance was dismantled. I had tried desperately to stop Daes’ power from leaving the world. I had tried to save Leon before his death but was not successful, and when Daes teleported me out of The Keep and into his realm, I witnessed the struggle the world now would face.

The child who remained with Daes’ power was in ruins, her tiny body lashed out and tried to destroy those around her. Her emotions and power no longer in balance, she now reigned in chaos. Daes himself tried to desperately control his last lineage child, but was not successful. Eventually, the decision was made to place her into a deep sleep. This sleep would allow her to hopefully heal and restore her magic and mind to its normal balanced state. This was the hope, if it worked would be another story.

~Howl~

Reunion ~ Raillyn

Thinking back so much had changed... In a way it felt like saying goodbye to a part of myself. Knowing there was no going back. Alkin and I had left The Keep together, to meet the Wolves. It had been six years since I had last stood as an ally in their halls. And now it felt foreign. Like I was an outsider.

I finally remembered my father was Drameon, and he had watched me grow up under Chaimh and Liliana's care. He protected me and advised me, and helped kidnap me... After the portal fell Alkin and him had been the ones who devised the plan to take me from Death’s Realm, and place me into The Keep. There I spent six years of my life. Raised my Wolven daughter and entwined myself with my captor inevitably by having another child, with him.

However he wasn't my captor, he was my friend and I felt confused and saddened by our now strained friendship. I felt rejected, by him.... Why....

Standing in my father’s arms a rush of emotions hit me. Something was changing inside. It made me antsy and put me on edge. The way my magic seemed to flow around my emotions, like two different temperatures colliding together, was unsettling.

I felt off kilter, in a way, at rock bottom. Except, I was expected to pick myself up and move on like nothing happened. But, how could I? So much had happened and I was sure so much still would occur. My mind stuttered briefly, everything went hazy almost staticky, even my hearing faltered momentarily. Taking a deep breath, I tried to steady myself.

Mentally, I had made up my mind on what was going to happen. Part of me was determined to return to my prior life and speak with Drake. I was happy to be alive, eager to talk to him with full knowledge of who I was, yet something deep inside ached. It hurt so bad I wanted to fall to my knees and cry. It was as if a piece of myself, was ripped out and nothingness replaced it. Looking around the room, my gaze fell on Alkin, who now stood back out of the way as if he was unsure what to do now. For a moment the smell of pine filled my nose while flashes of a lush, dense forest filled my mind.

Again something stuttered inside me, this time more violently. The intense green canopy high above and the dampness of its cool embrace forced itself on me. Making another memory cross my mind, of a time when I was young.

My parents were away and I was left in Alkin's care. When my parents weren’t there, he was responsible for me. I loved him, even then, and I felt the love he had for me.

One day when my parents were out we took a walk in the woods. Being a mischievous three-year-old, I ran on ahead laughing as I padded my bare feet across the soft forest floor. Alkin told me to be careful and not get too far ahead.

Turning to listen I ran on, not watching where I was going I slipped down an embankment, towards a cliff. In an instant, Alkin was there, holding me close as we somersaulted towards the edge. Thorns, branches, sticks, and brush tore at our skin as we tumbled head over heels. Alkin held me tight as he tried to take the brunt of the fall. I cried out as I held onto him for dear life. Finally, we stopped, looking at Alkin’s dirty scratched face I saw his other hand gripping a tree.

Looking behind me, I saw how carelessly close we had gotten to the edge. Tears welled up in my eyes as I shied away from the open sky of the sudden drop and clung desperately to his chest. Thankfully he took the easy way out and he summoned a portal that we rolled through to home.

We landed gently onto the floors hard oak surface. Sluggishly he got up and set me down. My eyes stung with the burn of tears and as I wiped them away smudges of dirt marked the back of my hand. That only made me cry more, fearing he was going to punish me. I felt the brief touch of his fingers brushing my hair aside, and gazing up at him he briefly met my eyes, relief in them.

Watching, his feet shuffled across the floor and as he sat in the nearby chair he let out a groan of pain. He slouched back so far his head was nearly staring at the ceiling. He looked tired, and I could tell he didn't have the heart to punish me. Instantly my tears stopped as I looked at him closer.

He was dirty from head to toe, and glancing down so was I. While I only had small scratches, he had tears. He had protected me from the more hurtful damage. Blood ran down his leg from a gash on his knee, the material was ripped off and missing, leaving the skin bare and torn flesh visible.

Standing, I didn’t say a word but instead I went and got a bowl of cold water and a few rags. Going to Alkin, I saw him watch me curiously. I was a Mystic, and even though I appeared young I had the mentality of a six-year-old, non-ancient. I had seen my parents care for each other and knew it was only right to do the same for people I loved.

Carefully I carried the bowl of water to him. Walking slow, it slopped over the edge and splattered my hand with tiny droplets. Slowly I set it on the floor and gathered the rag, gently placing it under the water. As soon as it was submerged and had soaked up enough, I gently wrung it out and reach out to touch Alkin’s leg. His muscles rippled and tensed briefly under my touch, as if I surprised him. Carefully I wiped the dirt away from his wound. He didn’t complain, but I felt him stiffen as if in pain.

Re-soaking the rag, I wiped his wound again until it was clean. When I was satisfied, I did something my mother often did, and others of my kind. Something I had seen done many times between family. Barely bleeding anymore, I carefully leaned forward and kissed his wound. His skin was warm and soft. Almost instinctively I felt myself lick my lips, tasting his blood. It was sweet, almost like honey, and powerful. I felt my eyes change color and reflect my magic, blue in color. Looking up at Alkin his face looked shocked and he pulled me onto his lap.

I will heal, child, don’t worry about me. Let’s get you in the bath and clean, then I will finish attending my wounds. He said as he picked me up and carried me down the hall. Also you shouldn’t kiss wounds unless they are your family's. He said trying to hint that what I did was almost wrong.

But you are family. I retorted back seriously, the memory faded.

Suddenly his eyes met mine, almost like he had seen what I had. He laughed at something Briar said, then looked away. The stuttering started again, my soul felt a need to go to him, and it frightened me. He had been the reason I was removed from Drake and my old life. Yes, it was for a justified cause, Daes and the Gods demanded it, but still. He had manipulated me, kidnapped me, laid powerful spells upon me that I still didn’t understand, and in turn killed me, and not just once but twice!

My heart skipped a beat at the thought of the dagger plunged deep inside Raihanna’s construct body. It sent shivers up my spine. Yet, it also sent waves of sadness through me. Why? My emotions tipped from one extreme to another, like a pendulum swinging back and forth.

Was it because Alkin and I had spent over six years together? That as Raihanna I was familiar with him, and loved him? Or was it because the mental connection we shared through our Mystic bond, was now gone.

I felt a tear escape my eye as I realized I was still looking at him. For a moment, a shaky sensation began to creep through me. My stomach ached and my throat burned. Bile rose in my throat, I wanted to scream, kick, fight, or just run and hide. I didn’t know, I was so confused and the unrest in my soul was so uneasy. It made the world around me spin, making me dizzy, and wanting to shed more tears. My father noticed my response and leaned down to whisper in my ear.

Relax dear, it’s normal to feel that way after such a traumatic event. He said lovingly.

Looking my father in the eyes calmed me. His mimicking ever-changing eyes reflected my own and brought a semi-calm to my mind. Taking a deep steadying breath I pulled back from his grasp and looked to see where Drake was.

He had come up behind me. His sturdy yet gentle face, with familiar green eyes that our daughter shared with him, looked at me. However, he seemed upset, not happy about the situation and why should he be? The people I had called into our lives had manipulated him also, yet I felt the compassion of why. I lived through it.

Having my mother killed so violently and brutally was not what I expected when I was three. Grieved, my father went against everything Mystics were taught and sought revenge, killing those who committed such a ghastly act against his mate. I never wanted to be taken away from my parents or have them completely removed from my life, along with the friends I was used to having around me.

You’re her father?! Drake's voice shouted breaking my inner thoughts. Why didn’t you say anything? We have been working for over six years together and not once did you feel the need to let anyone know Raillyn was your daughter! There better be a reasonable explanation for all this! He yelled as he crossed his arms in front of him. Near black hair fell around his face, framing it.

His face tightened, his chin seemed set, and his lips were hard pressed. For a moment, I felt I wanted to go comfort him, but I feared being rejected. I had been in The Keep for six years, with another man. He had probably been fighting to get me back. But being Raihanna then, and myself now, I wasn’t sure how to react to all of it yet.

As Raihanna I loved Alkin, the man who placed me in a construct body, and killed me not just once but twice. I lived in the Vampire’s Keep, hunted and killed people with no remorse. Till my normal personality started breaking through... However I don't feel whole, and not my prior self. It feels like something changed, or is missing and needs to be found. It scared me, and clutching my father’s arm tighter, I almost felt like my world was spinning.

You already know the reason, Drake. I heard Howl’s smooth whimsical voice say. Almost like notes on a breeze his tone always got my attention.

Yet, it was so different now, our link was broken and it seemed odd to not feel the emotions behind his words. Even though I could clearly see them on his face, it displaced me. My head spun as I felt my magic reach for the link that was no longer there. My father’s hand on my shoulder kept me physically in the world, even when my mind was on the verge of blacking out.

Raillyn was Daes’ last Mystic. She was the one who was taken from this world to be kept alive. You and I have already had this conversation. As I said we have to let the Mystics do what they do best, and in my case help them in any way I can. Howl said before turning towards me and meeting my gaze. That being said, Raillyn, since we had a bond while you resided in Raihanna’s body, it’s now broken. I am more than happy to reinstate it, and do a blood exchange with you; in turn, helping you and Daes. Howl said smirking mischievously.

Looking at Drake, who sounded like he gasped out loud, he appeared appalled. Either from the fact that Howl was so blunt or the fact that he wanted to do a blood exchange with me. Remembering Howl’s blood flowing down my throat as I resided in Raihanna’s body caused my mind to shudder again.

I originally thought I was drowning. Instead, I was panicking and Howl had saved me. Securing me to the living world when all my spirit wanted was to escape from the immense magic I had cast.

Nodding my head sharply, I knew he would know what I meant and would want to reestablish the blood bond. At that thought a sensation crept through me, almost like a tickle, like something nagging at my brain. Biting my lip a little, I realized it was in the air.

Something I smelled was causing the unnerving nagging. The smell of an open pine forest on a warm spring day fluttered into my nose. It smelled like morning rain. It made my stomach tighten and quiver. The familiarity of it caused my mind to feel like it was jolted from drinking too much Dragon Fruit. An energy infused creamy drink.

My nostrils flared as I sniffed the scent, it was Alkin’s. Taking a deep breath, I realized it drowned out the scent of everyone else around me. No longer could I smell Wolf, Drakar, or even the flowery purple lilacs beyond the walls. Pressure built up. I felt a shift in my eyes, something changed even though I couldn’t put my finger on it. My mind blanked and everything became hazy. Stepping away from my father a primal feeling encompassed me.

Out of my peripheral vision I saw Drake tip his head curiously, Howl stood smirking. His bright blue eyes looked at me mischievously. Vaguely I heard Drake question something. Was it "what’s wrong with her? Or what’s she doing?I wasn’t sure my mind was so focused on the smell. It drove me forward.

Alkin stood speaking to Briar, he leaned against a column with his arms crossed, unaware of my pursuit. His chestnut hair hung perfectly over his Elvin-like face. I felt the need to reach out and touch it, run my fingers through it. Memories of my time in The Keep, as Raihanna, flooded my mind.

My breathing picked up as I approached and he suddenly became aware of my ever closer presence. Briar met my gaze as I felt myself smile almost wildly. Static filled my ears, all sound was lost, and all focus was set on the need to just touch Alkin.

I saw his nose flare and his eyebrows flinch as if he recognized something in the air. Meeting my eyes, he tipped his head and took a step back. I felt my body tense as if I wanted to jump forward, like a cat stalking its prey.

Then memories of my so-called dream came flooding back to me and Alkin standing in Death’s Realm saying that it wasn’t just a dream. My heart stuttered as I felt nervousness buildup inside.

Like a snapping twig, I felt it. My eyes shifted again, I was unsure how but I just knew they did. My hearing returned and the static left replaced by an awkward silence. Meeting Alkin’s eyes I noticed they were dilated and he was fully focused on me.

My predacious nature changed at that moment, and all of a sudden I was unsure of myself. Swallowing hard, I felt myself take a step back, too uneasy to turn away.

Alkin had started out on the Vampires' side, or so I had thought. In reality, he was preparing The Keep and Hunter for my arrival. Why? I still didn’t know, but it had to do with me being Daes’ last Mystic. Until I found out more information, I wasn’t sure what to think about Alkin.

Yes, we had a child together, but that was when I was in the construct body. A body he created and in turn one that had memories and emotions, again from him. Yet there was something else, the nagging sensation. It wasn’t part of either my mind nor body, it resonated from my soul. Feeling my eyes begin their strange shift and my hearing begin to static. I shook my head and stepped back further. I can’t touch him. If I did, I feared what might happen.

Raillyn? Drake said while placing his hand on my shoulder, breaking me from the strange trance. Almost shaking I let him pull me into his embrace. Are you ok? he asked while lovingly brushing my hair.

Again something shifted inside, some inner fight vs. flight response resonated into my body, I wanted to leave. My body shuddered, as I felt like a bird trapped in a cage. My mind slipped from me as it seemed to stutter. I felt myself briefly lash out, pushing myself away from Drake as if he burned me. Darkness foreshadowed me as instinct took over.

Next thing I knew I was on the floor, panting heavily, my father was beside me, arm on my shoulder. A deep blue haze emanated from me nearly concealing me in its grasp. My magic. I thought to myself.

Taking a deep breath I noticed even the air coming out was a deep blue color. Raising my hand to my face, I trembled and my mind changed once more. I felt like I was being swung, back and forth, up and down, from one emotional high to another. My body began shaking uncontrollably as I felt it shift again and tears began to pour down my face. It felt like being ripped in two.

My mind reached for a connection that was no longer there, only causing me more grief. The now blue air around me felt heavy, making me feel claustrophobic. Why! I cried out loud mentally knowing no one was connected to me to hear. Why was I feeling this way? Again a shift occurred in my body, causing more tremors to envelop me. Heart nearly pounding out of my chest, I swayed as I noticed my hearing was already gone. Now that I think of it... I don’t remember ever hearing anything after Drake’s voice.

My skin crawled like a thousand tiny fire ants trying to burrow into me. My nerves felt like they were charged with such electricity they might burn up. Everything hurt, mind, body, and soul. Then I felt something snap inside me, like a tree falling in the forest, I stood swiftly terrified and fell into darkness.

Tension ~ Alkin

Seeing Raillyn’s eyes, I knew what it meant. Even though mentally she didn’t understand the bond between us, her body did. It wanted desperately to reconnect with me and my body felt the same way.

Her eyes dilated, as large as saucers, I knew she smelled my scent in the air. Her scent hung heavily around her, and as she approached me, my body stiffened, recognizing her.

Never had our kind experienced an issue such as this one, our bodies and soul recognized the need for each other yet her mind wasn’t able to understand why. She never grew up Mystic, this more primal side of our race was foreign to her.

The overdriving need to just touch her and begin re-establishing our bond was nearly too much to handle. I began feeling myself move forward unintentionally, driven to just grab her hand and whisk her away. However, the Wolf stopped her and got in the way.

My primal mind growled at his closeness towards my mate. Briar flinching near me said I had done it out loud as well. Taking a step forward Drake met my eyes with hatred in them. We were getting along, in a sense while I worked in The Keep. Now however with Raillyn being in the same room as us, that was changing. Both of us wanted to prove our dominance over the other, to prove who she belonged to.

Raillyn too felt it. The way she jumped backwards as if Drake was on fire was in a way funny. I felt myself smirk as she began to panic from his touch, her mind said he was fine, but her body couldn’t stand his touch anymore. I knew it was the opposite for me, her body craved mine but her mind was still frightened, unsure.

As her magic harmlessly whipped out around her, it sent a warning. I could feel a shift in the air. Her magic was telling everyone she didn’t want to be touched, to leave her alone. It was sinking into the minds of those around her, changing their actions and dampening their need to assist her. Only the Ancients were immune to its altering effects.

Exhausted, she went to her knees. I felt myself move forward, wanting to go to her. However, I stopped myself. If I touched her, it would set aflame our bond, meaning it would drive me to mark her and bind her as mine. A problem for the current situation we faced. She had to get to Daes, and soon, so she could finish the task she was placed on long ago.

Taking a deep breath. Drameon tried to calm her, but to no avail. Finally, her body and mind gave up, succumbing to unconsciousness. A tingling sensation filled me with dread, I hated not being able to help her. Meeting Howl’s gaze, however, we both knew it was for the best. Lips thinly pressed, Howl wandered over to me. As he walked he pulled a sky blue rag from his belt.

You need this. He said while tipping his head towards mine, brow raised.

Running the cloth across my forehead I realized how sweaty I was and not just my head, but my neck and chest also. I felt hot and uncomfortable, the need to go and take Raillyn away with me was powerful and it took a lot of self-control not to give into those needs.

A bead of sweat danced its way down my chest and caught on my pants line. I would have to bathe after this. My body was excreting too much pheromone to be around Raillyn safety. Taking a deep breath, I looked at Drameon wondering what he was planning on doing. Before I got a chance to ask anything Drake swept down to take Raillyn away from her father.

Unintentionally a challenging growl emanated from my throat. I was still worked up over the situation. Raillyn was mine and I wasn’t going to let some halfwit Wolf have her regardless of what happened in the past. She has been mine for over six years, and I was not in a sharing mood.

Stop. Drameon said recognizing what was going on. Howl, take her to the small den, please. He spoke while standing, and cradling his daughter to him, before passing her to Howl. A wild smirk crossed his face briefly, almost too fast for anyone to see. What was he up to? I wondered as he quickly left the room. His piercing blue eyes seemed to dance mischievously.

I met Drameon’s eyes for a moment and wondered if he knew what the Drakar planned. His face softened as if stress crept from his body. Meeting my gaze he frowned, but seemed understanding. We had our moments, of understanding and regret, and this was one of them. He was still uneasy about his daughter being my mate and that I understood her better.

Clenching my fists so tightly I almost drew blood, I looked towards the door where Howl had taken Raillyn. Part of me was half-tempted to go after her. However, I knew I had to stay and address the situation that was caused after returning her to what I had believed at the time was her rightful place. How wrong my mind had been though.

What in Death’s Realm was that all about?! Drake cursed, almost shouting and slightly shaking.

That my friend was something anticipated, but not entirely expected. Drameon began carefully before looking towards me. While I cannot say everything I can say the path she is walking is very narrow and demanding. Her magic lashing out and her mind shifting the way it was proved that.

Drake seemed confused, as if someone tried to push him over and failed. I stood still knowing if I said anything it would start a fight. Instead, I seethed in my own anger.

I have never seen Raillyn act in such a way. That was animalistic, like my people on a full moon. Your race doesn’t shift so why was she acting like that? He questioned as everyone stood tense and quiet around him.

I fidgeted uncomfortably, shifting from one foot to another. Internally my mind wanted to leave still, and make sure Raillyn was ok, but physically I knew I couldn't. It just pissed me off further.

In that instant Howl strolled back into the room. Smiling cockily, he walked past me, patting me on the shoulder before stopping in front of Drameon, who scowled at him. Whatever was going on he knew and wasn't happy.

I took the liberty of swinging by my room before the den and asked if Lyth and Celeste could take Raillyn. As you know, they have been visiting my place in case we needed them on short notice. After explaining a quick version of the unsettling events they happily agreed, and took her to the small den. Howl said to Drameon before turning to face me. And you my friend, they want to see right away. My eyes narrowed at that request.

Perhaps we can all go meet them, and when we get there someone can tell me what’s going on. Drake said unnervingly.

Before waiting to hear more I turned and walked out the door. I knew if I stayed I’d cause a scene and that wasn’t possible. Already too many buttons were being pushed about this situation, causing more grief than anticipated.

I had hoped I could bring Raillyn here, leave her with the Wolves and let her catch up a little. Later when Daes called her she would go and do her duty, completing the task he had laid out for her and learning what it entailed. Even though it wasn’t ideal for me, it was what I wanted. To see her happy, I could put my own selfish feelings aside if she could smile for a while. However, that didn’t happen and the protective male inside me was not going to let my mate be handed over to another man.

Entering the red-carpeted halls I almost blindly made my way to the den. I didn’t care if the others followed or not and as I entered, Celeste caught on right away that I was in a dark mood.

The small-framed, strawberry-blonde lady was kneeling near Raillyn as I came into the door. Her fire-like evergreen eyes met mine momentarily. Calm down, she’s fine. She said gently brushing a strand of Raillyn’s hair out of her face. However this is only going to get worse, and you know it. You cannot fight what is, Alkin. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t do it and neither can she. Celeste said, while standing and reprimanding me.

I was already backpedaling from my original idea of letting Raillyn stay in the Wolves castle, it was beginning to look like a horrible plan. Her badgering me wasn’t helping matters it only caused more anger to spread throughout my body. I couldn’t take Raillyn away, even though she didn’t hate me outright I knew, mind wise she was highly upset for everything I had done to her.

Why shouldn’t she be? I thought to myself. I would be pissed too if I found out my actions were manipulated and then the life I had taken from me. I would be beyond pissed at the person who had a hand in it. To make matters worse we had spent over six years together in The Keep, she was slowly starting to come out of her shell and put her full trust in me. That however shattered as she discovered the truth and with our bonds broke, that only made the situation worse. She couldn’t tell what I was thinking or if I was telling the truth anymore. Instantly I hated myself for landing in this situation. If I had only controlled my anger in the first place and not tried to kill Lord Drake, none of this would have happened. Or at least not in the fashion it had.

The door closing behind me made me realize I was pacing the floor and inching closer and closer towards Raillyn. Now within arm’s reach, my body stilled as I smelled her overpowering scent. This is going to be a problem… I thought as I tried to calm myself and reconnect with the real world and not my natural instincts.

Is she ok? I heard Drake ask genuinely concerned for her. Part of me seemed relieved he cared, the logical part. However, the more primitive part wanted to rip his heart out and shove it down his throat.

How was it I had kept such control of my anger till now? I thought to myself before I knew the truth. It was because Rai was mine in The Keep and I never had a rival vying for her attention. Now it was different.

Drake rushed by me, shouldering me out of the way. However, before he reached her I grabbed his arm. Slamming him into a nearby wall, unconsciously I drew my dagger and pressed it against his neck. Isn’t this behavior what caused this terrible situation in the first place? My logical side asked.

No, this was different. Drake was the leader of the Werewolves, and human-like or not they still were primitive and possessive when it came to females in their care. He blatantly shoved me away from her, challenging me.

Challenge me again Wolf and I will make you regret it. While I cannot kill you, I can sure make you think twice about what you are doing. I said threateningly before releasing him, tossing him away from my mate.

Standing between Raillyn and Drake, the Ancients in the room tensed. They had seen situations such as these before. An unbound pair often caused such problems, especially when the female was around males, not of her kind, who didn’t understand the underlying situation.

The fact was that Raillyn was my everything, that without her I didn't feel whole or like myself, and her the same with me. Regardless of her not growing up Mystic instinctively she knew. Making Drake understand that sooner would be better, however how do you get a protective Wolf to listen to reason, when I myself was even unreasonable. At the moment Raillyn had to remain safe, and she had to get to her grandfather, Daes as soon as possible.

Alkin! Isn't this what started this whole mess? You two don't need to fight. Drameon said, trying to calm my inner demons. However, I ignored him, my eyes were on Drake. We circled the room, before he sprang into action.

Drawing his sword I saw it a split second before he brought it down on my head. Calling my shadowed blade, I parried his attack. Pushing him back away from Raillyn, the sound of wood knocking against stone floors resonated in the room.

Out of the corner of my eye, Lyth grabbed a few toppled chairs and moved them aside. Everyone seemed to jump back, unsure what to do; everyone but one. Howl stood directly behind Drake and seemed to stay there. Casually he crept around the room eyes aglow and grinning. I couldn't see the others maybe that was because only Lyth and Howl were Raillyn's primary Drakar guards.

Celeste's voice broke my thoughts. Boys! My Goddess, stop this right now before I whip magic at both of you! She yelled, clapping her hands together loudly. With that echoing single clap, magic boomed with power and resonated like thunder in a dense forest.

Glancing at her to see how serious she was, she looked mad. Her usually calm face was set seriously against the pale of her hair. In her hands sat two menacing deep green near black orbs of cracklings magic. Like lightening dancing in a jar, she held them ready to toss as us. Yes, she was a healer, but this was not meant to heal, this was meant to cause us to go unconscious. On another occasion I had been subject to such magic before and was not about to let it happen again. Shoving Drake away, I jumped back and dissipated my blade. Howl and Lyth were there to grab me and hold me back, should I decide to attack again. Clenching my fists in anger, my temper felt volatile.

"I can tell you that everything I did, even the stuff you hate me for, I did